Klarinet Archive - Posting 000425.txt from 1999/05

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] re: Timbre of notes
Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 11:38:41 -0400

In a message dated 5/9/99 7:50:38 AM Central Daylight Time, reedman@-----.com
writes:

<< >
Bill wrote:
Even if I concede that SOME PLAYERS can make this distinction, I submit
that the vast, VAST majority of players and listeners cannot, rendering the
fuss over using different clarinets for reasons OTHER THAN ease of playing
in a given key moot. >>

I would like to make two points here:

1.) There is plenty of anecdotal proof that even the most discerning ear can
be fooled.

2.) However, there are many composers who wished for a certain timbre, and
therefore specified a certain clarinet. Among these are Stravinsky, R.
Strauss, and Mahler, to name a few.

Just because the MAJORITY cannot tell the difference, is no reason to
disregard the wishes of these composers. Since when has the majority ruled in
music? In almost all situations, it is the lonely, and often reviled, pioneer
that is responsible for progress.

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